What is the Microsoft® Windows MRT (Malicious Software Removal Tool) tool and how do I use it?
I have a number of subscribers (thanks for reading!) to my monthly newsletter email and last month I received a few responses to my recommendation to "Run the MRT". Most were confused because they didn't know what it was, what it does, how they got it or how to use it.
What is it? MRT is the Microsoft® Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool so maybe it should be the WMSRT or even the MSWMSRT. I've even heard it referred to as the Microsoft® Removal Tool!!
What does it do? It checks your computer to see if you have been infected by one of the 'bad guys' in its ever-growing list of viruses and other malware and removes it for you. It doesn't replace your anti-virus software but adds another layer of protection. And it's FREE!
How do you get it? It comes free with the monthly update from Windows® along with the update to MS Security Essentials. So, you don't need to do anything other than use Genuine Windows®.
How do you use it? Good news here as well: it runs automatically after it has been updated. That's all well and good but what if you want it more than once a month? In XP® you click 'Start' then "Run" and type "MRT". In Vista® and Windows 7® click the Start logo and type "MRT" into the search box.
One of the reasons I wanted to write about this is that I have also had calls from people concerned that this might be a scam. You see, when the MRT finds an infection it tells you about it but, if this is the first time you've seen it, how would you know it was safe?!
Now you know!
See my article on the MRT [http://www.pcresolver.es/Security/What-is-the-Microsoft-Windows-MRT-Malicious-Software-Removal-Tool-and-how-do-I-use-it.php] for more information including screenshots and a safe download link (takes you to the correct page on Microsoft's website).
What is it? MRT is the Microsoft® Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool so maybe it should be the WMSRT or even the MSWMSRT. I've even heard it referred to as the Microsoft® Removal Tool!!
What does it do? It checks your computer to see if you have been infected by one of the 'bad guys' in its ever-growing list of viruses and other malware and removes it for you. It doesn't replace your anti-virus software but adds another layer of protection. And it's FREE!
How do you get it? It comes free with the monthly update from Windows® along with the update to MS Security Essentials. So, you don't need to do anything other than use Genuine Windows®.
How do you use it? Good news here as well: it runs automatically after it has been updated. That's all well and good but what if you want it more than once a month? In XP® you click 'Start' then "Run" and type "MRT". In Vista® and Windows 7® click the Start logo and type "MRT" into the search box.
One of the reasons I wanted to write about this is that I have also had calls from people concerned that this might be a scam. You see, when the MRT finds an infection it tells you about it but, if this is the first time you've seen it, how would you know it was safe?!
Now you know!
See my article on the MRT [http://www.pcresolver.es/Security/What-is-the-Microsoft-Windows-MRT-Malicious-Software-Removal-Tool-and-how-do-I-use-it.php] for more information including screenshots and a safe download link (takes you to the correct page on Microsoft's website).
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